In deference to directives issued by the district administration, traders of the coal town have decided to adhere to all Covid protocols, including wearing of masks by shopkeepers and customers, maintaining social distance and using sanitisers at all their establishments.

Federation of General secretary of Dhanbad Zila Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FDZCCII) Ajay Naryan Lal has sent messages to this effect to all 50 branches of the trade association to ensure compliance.

Prabhat Surolia, president of the organisation, also held a meeting with the execute members of the committee where it was decided that they would adhere to the guidelines of the administration.

Talking to The Telegraph Online, Surolia said that all shopkeepers in the meeting were told to adhere to the guidelines, as per instructions issued by Dhanbad Sub Divisional Officer Surendra Prasad amid a surge in Covid-19 cases.

“No customer will be allowed to enter in shops without wearing masks while the shopkeepers, salespersons and other staff will also have to wear them. Provisions for the use of hand sanitisers in shops have also been made mandatory,” Surolia said.

Lal said that the decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of the traders in the market, as well as to curb the sudden spread of the virus.

Sub-divisional Surendra Prasad said that it was communicated to the business chambers to follow the guidelines by Friday as regular checks will be done by the authorities, who will impose fines if any norm is violated.

“Checking drives for masks at public places has already been launched from today (Thursday) itself. We have carried out checking near City Centre Chowk and imposed fines on those who were flouting the norms. This will be extended to other parts of the district in the upcoming days,” he said.